Bellver Castle is one of the largest circular castles in Europe, offering an impressive view of Palma, the capital of Mallorca. This castle, one of the few in Europe with a circular shape, was built and used as a royal residence, military prison, and museum.
Certainly, “Bellver” means “Beautiful View.” Don’t miss this beautiful vista that stretches out to the sea.
El Castell de Bellver tiene una atmósfera especial, caracterizada por sus elementos arquitectónicos góticos y su entorno. El castillo está rodeado por un foso y cuenta con un patio central rodeado por tres torres.
Es un lugar de paz y tranquilidad, donde uno puede escapar del bullicio de la ciudad y relajarse en medio de muros históricos.
The history of Bellver Castle
The construction of Bellver Castle began in the year 1300 by order of King James II of Mallorca, who desired a fortress and residence for his family.
He commissioned the work to the architect Pere Salvà, who had already remodeled the Almudaina Palace. The construction lasted nine years, and the decorations were completed afterward. Around 70 workers took part in the construction, along with women and the king’s slaves.
The castle has a circular layout with a diameter of 48 meters and is surrounded by a moat four meters wide.
It has three semicircular towers on the sides and a fourth tower, the Tower of Homage, which is outside the circle and connected to the main building by a small bridge.
The Tower of Homage was the tallest and most fortified tower and served as a dungeon for prisoners, who were dropped from a height of five meters through a trapdoor in the floor.
The castle is built around a central two-story courtyard. The ground floor features Romanesque arches and Sotil plans, while the upper floor has pointed Gothic arches and ribbed vaults.
The courtyard also features a fountain in the center and a cistern beneath the ground. The castle has several rooms that were used as chambers, reception halls, and defense spaces.
The castle was besieged, conquered, and plundered several times over the centuries. In 1349, it became a prison for the widow and children of King James III, who lost the Battle of Llucmajor to King Peter IV of Aragon.
In 1391, it was attacked by an insurgent mob pursuing the Jews who had taken refuge there. In 1521, it was seized by the followers of the peasant revolt against Emperor Charles V.
In the 17th century, the castle became a military prison, which remained in operation until the 20th century.
It housed many famous prisoners, such as the Minister of Justice and Finance Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (1802-1808), who was freed by the French, or General Luis Lacy (1817), who was executed for a liberal rebellion.
In the 19th century, the castle was also used for other purposes, such as minting coins or a post office.
In 1931, the castle was transferred by the Spanish state to the city of Palma, which turned it into a museum of the city’s history and a collection of classical sculptures.
Rumors, Myths, and Legends
- It is said that there is a secret passage connecting the castle to the Cathedral of La Seu. I recently spoke with a local guide who confirmed that it is very likely.
- The Castell de Bellver was the place where the Knights Templar hid their treasures: One of the most well-known myths claims that the Templar knights, during the persecution by the French Inquisition, hid part of their treasure in the Castell de Bellver.
- The devil built the Castell de Bellver: A legend tells that the devil himself built the Castell de Bellver. Supposedly, the castle’s architect made a pact with the devil to construct it. When the work was completed, the architect tried to break the pact by designing the castle differently than agreed. The devil punished the architect by taking his life.
- The Castell de Bellver has supernatural powers: Some people believe that Castell de Bellver possesses supernatural powers and that it is a place of energy and peace. It is believed to have positive effects on the health and well-being of those who visit.
- The Castell de Bellver is cursed: Another legend says that Castell de Bellver is cursed. It is believed that an old monk who lived in the castle cast the curse because he was expelled by the inhabitants of Palma. The curse is said to bring unhappiness to anyone who enters the castle and haunts whoever cast the curse.
Of course, these are just myths or rumors, with no foundation or evidence. They are part of the folklore and legends that have arisen around Bellver Castle over the years.
But, who knows? Maybe the devil is watching over the Templar treasure in a secret passage.
The Museum of Bellver Castle
The Bellver Castle Museum was inaugurated in 1936 and showcases the history and culture of Palma from prehistoric times to the present day. It is located on the ground floor of the castle and features several rooms dedicated to different topics.
- In the first room, you can see archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, the Talayotic culture, the Roman era, and the Islamic period. There are also models of prehistoric settlements and Roman villas. It’s fascinating to observe the fragments of pottery, coins, and ancient jewelry.
- In the second room, you can follow the development of Palma from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. There are maps, paintings, weapons, coins, and other objects reflecting the city’s political, social, and economic changes. I was impressed by the beautiful portraits of kings and nobles who lived or ruled in Palma.
- In the third room, you can learn about the history of Palma from the 19th century to the present. There are documents, photos, posters, and other materials showcasing the most important events and figures in the city.
- In the fourth room, you can admire the classical sculpture collection of Despuig. This series includes marble and plaster copies of ancient statues from Greece and Rome that Cardinal Antoni Despuig acquired in the 18th century.
The museum also offers guided tours of the Tower of Homage, where visitors can explore the dungeon, the chapel, and the observation platform. In addition, the castle organizes various cultural and educational activities for all ages.
The Bellver Castle is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Palma who is interested in history, art, and architecture. The view from the castle over Palma is breathtaking. Visiting Bellver Castle is essential when going to Mallorca and is a wholehearted recommendation.
Why should you visit Bellver Castle?
The Bellver Castle is perfect for visiting with the whole family. Entry for children under 14 years old is free. They will also enjoy the visit to this unique building.
You’ll not only feel transported to the era of knights and princesses, but you’ll also learn a lot about the history and culture of Palma de Mallorca. After visiting the castle, you can enjoy a picnic in the adjacent park, which also features a playground area.
Even if you don’t wish to visit the inside of the castle, it’s worth the trip. Due to its location atop a hill, you can enjoy an impressive view of the city of Palma de Mallorca, the port, and the sea. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset and appreciate the beauty of the island.
Opening Hours and Admission
The Bellver Castle is open all year round and only closes on the following dates: 12/25, 01/01, 05/01, and Easter Sunday.
From Tuesday to Saturday, it is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. During the winter months (October to March), it closes one hour earlier during the week.
Tickets can be purchased up to 45 minutes before closing, directly at the parking lot.
The entrance fee is €4. For young people, seniors, and pensioners, the entrance fee is €2. Children under 14 years old enter for free.
For residents of Palma, there is a resident discount available. This discount is €2.50 (Note: The discount is only valid for residents of the city of Palma, not for residents of Mallorca).
Advice:
Admission is free on Sundays.
How to Get There and Address
There are several ways to get to Bellver Castle in Palma. One option is to take the panoramic tourist bus (bus 50), which stops directly in front of the castle. Another option is to take bus 4 or 20 and get off at Plaza Gomila. From there, you can walk to the castle (Carrer de Bellver). On the way, you’ll pass a staircase with 463 steps. You can also take a taxi directly to Bellver Castle. A fourth option is to drive your own car and park in the castle’s parking lot.
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